Lit billfold

Abstract

A lit billfold for displaying and illuminating checks in dimly lit restaurants includes front and back covers, a document securing means, and a document illuminating means. The document securing means includes a plurality of straps attached to the edge of the inner surface of one of the front or back covers. The document illuminating means includes a light guide panel with a light source and a switch means, which both electrically connect to a power source located in a power source housing. Folding the light guide panel open toggles the switch means and activates the light source. Folding the light guide panel closed again toggles the switch means and deactivates the light source.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicable.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not applicable.SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM[0003]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]This invention generally relates to illuminated document displays and holders in restaurants. Specifically, this invention relates to a lit billfold device for use with, but not limited to, displaying and illuminating restaurant checks or other documents under dim lighting conditions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]Restaurants and other service establishments typically use lighting to attract customers. Restaurants in particular use dim lighting in the dining area to create an intimate ambiance and create an enjoyable dining experience. However, the decreased illumination may cause a problem if the patron is unable to read the invoice information printed on the check. Without being able to read the check, the patron may commit errors in calculating the gratuity or final payment amount, leading to fru...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]Accordingly, the present invention is a lit billfold for holding and illuminating restaurant checks under dim lighting conditions. Of course, the purpose of the device is not limited illuminating checks in restaurants but may also be applied to other situations. The device may be adapted to any number of applications where a user is required to read printed materials under low light levels and where the maintenance of such low light levels is important to others nearby. For example, the present invention may be used with bills and checks in intimate live performance venues, dark nightclubs, or wine and cigar bars. Additionally, the device may be used to hold and illuminate theatre programs in dark theatres. The present invention effectively provides the user with the optimal level of illumination; there is enough light to accurately read printed text, but not so much light to interfere with the surrounding area.

Problems solved by technology

However, the decreased illumination may cause a problem if the patron is unable to read the invoice information printed on the check.

Without being able to read the check, the patron may commit errors in calculating the gratuity or final payment amount, leading to frustration for both the patron as well as restaurant staff.

Some patrons may even be embarrassed to request assistance in reading the check and as a result may decide not to return to the restaurant.

While increased illumination may be desirable for patrons needing to read the check at the end of a dining experience, it is intrusive to patrons in the immediate vicinity who are still enjoying their meal.

For this reason, typical illumination devices such as miniature lamps or table lights, while welcome by those having difficulty reading in low light, are distracting to other patrons nearby.

However, that type of lighting is hazardous in establishments where the candle can easily topple from the table and cause fire, exposing patrons to injuries and restaurant owners to liability.

This prior art may be difficult to operate for some users.

In the above examples, the light source being attached to one of the portfolio covers limits the degree in which the user may selectively illuminate portions of the check because the user must adjust the entire cover to alter the illumination.

Therefore leaving the device unattended in the on position after use will result in unnecessary battery drain.

Also, use of the magnifying sheet may be problematic to users unfamiliar with how the device works.

The box-like construction makes this device bulky and difficult to store in restaurants with limited space.

Further, there is no automatic switch for activating or deactivating the light.

With this device, there is no way to adjust the light to illuminate different parts of the check.

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